Food Poisoning Fiasco: My Recovery Story and Tips to Stay Safe
Food Poisoning Fiasco: My Recovery Story and Tips to Stay Safe Food Poisoning Fiasco: My Recovery Story and Tips to Stay Safe In August 2024, at 29, I thought I was done for after eating a $10 takeout chicken salad. Within 6 hours, I was hit with food poisoning —vomiting 7 times, diarrhea 9 times daily, and a 101°F fever that left me bedridden for 2 days. A $120 doctor’s visit and 4 days of recovery later, I learned how to spot, treat, and prevent this misery. Here’s my story, with numbers, tables, and tips to keep food poisoning out of your life. What Is Food Poisoning? The Brutal Basics Food poisoning happens when you consume food or water contaminated with bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), viruses (e.g., norovirus), or toxins. A 2023 CDC report estimates 48 million U.S. cases yearly, with 128,000 hospitalizations. My salad likely had Salmonella from undercooked chicken, as 70% of my local cases tied to poultry. Sy...